The Future of Television in Switzerland: SRG UHD Broadcast and HEVC Technology Guide

As image quality standards in the television world continue to rise, the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SRG) is taking significant steps to take the experience it offers viewers to the next level. However, this technological transformation is not happening for all users simultaneously. In this article, we delve into SRG’s Ultra HD (UHD) broadcast strategy, the different scenarios awaiting satellite versus cable/IPTV users, and the hardware features required for this new era.

Product and Service Definition: The SRG UHD Viewing Experience

The “product” in question is not merely a physical box, but rather a new generation of broadcasting service standards entering Swiss homes. While SRG aims to increase image quality by modernizing its broadcast infrastructure, it has opted for a platform-based distinction regarding the distribution of this service. Fundamentally, the service offered is a crystal-clear Ultra HD (4K) viewing experience, which makes a significant difference, particularly during sports matches and special events.

Technical Infrastructure and Features

At the heart of this transformation lies HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), also known as H.265 compression technology. This technology allows for the transmission of much higher resolution images by utilizing bandwidth more efficiently.

  • Resolution Standards: While current HD broadcasts are generally at 720p/50fps or 1080i levels, the targeted new UHD standards offer a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels, promising four times more detail.
  • Encoding (Codec): While older systems use the H.264 standard, the use of HEVC (H.265) is essential for UHD broadcasting. This means more vibrant colors and smoother motion (especially in sports broadcasts).
  • Platform Distinction:
    • Cable and IPTV: Leveraging the power of fiber infrastructure, these platforms can receive UHD data streams directly from SRG and deliver them to the viewer without loss.
    • Satellite: For broadcasts via Eutelsat Hotbird, the transition to HEVC has been postponed due to existing bandwidth limitations and the prevalence of older devices (Set-Top-Boxes) still in use by households.

Advantages and Benefits

  1. Visual Feast (Cable/IPTV): Cable/IPTV users with a UHD-compatible television and box experience a “like being there” viewing sensation, especially during major events like football championships.
  2. Future-Proofing: Since HEVC technology also forms the basis for future 8K broadcasts, users who invest in this technology gain a long-term advantage.
  3. Flexibility: Because IPTV and OTT (Over-The-Top) providers stream data over the internet, they can launch special “UHD Event Channels” without being hindered by traditional bandwidth issues.

Disadvantages and Current Limitations

  • Delay for Satellite Users: The biggest disadvantage is that approximately 200,000 households using satellite receivers are currently excluded from this technology. Satellite broadcasts will continue in H.264 format and 720p resolution for some time.
  • Hardware Costs: To receive UHD broadcasts, both the television must be 4K compatible and the satellite receiver or TV box used must support HEVC. Older devices cannot decode this broadcast signal.

Roadmap for Users: What Should You Do?

If you watch Swiss channels and want the highest image quality, the current situation is as follows:

  • If You Are a Cable/IPTV User: You are in luck. You can access SRG’s high-quality broadcasts immediately by requesting the latest UHD-supported box from your operator (e.g., Swisscom, Sunrise, etc.). Your device’s warranty usually continues throughout your contract with the operator, and technical support is provided by them.
  • If You Are a Satellite User: There is no need to rush to replace your current satellite receiver. SRG has postponed the HEVC transition (and thus UHD) over satellite until 2024. You can continue to watch existing HD broadcasts without issues until this date. However, if you are going to buy a new device, you should definitely choose a future-proof model with “HEVC” and “4K/UHD” logos.

SRG’s move signals a hybrid era in television broadcasting. Cable and internet-based broadcasting are pulling ahead in the quality race thanks to their flexibility, while satellite broadcasting is lagging a step behind due to the challenges of hardware upgrades despite its wide coverage area. The right choice for users depends on their viewing habits and existing infrastructure (Is there Fiber internet? Is a satellite dish being used?).

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